National Teacher Appreciation Day

 

National Teacher Appreciation Day, also known as National Teacher Day, recognizes dedicated educators across the country. As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the celebration takes place on the Tuesday of the first full week in May each year.

The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day “as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”

Teachers play a critical role in educating and shaping our children, the future leaders of our country. These kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated, and understanding professionals help mold our children and guide them in positive directions. We entrust our children with teachers, and they affect their lives daily.

When is National Open The Magic Day?

No matter where we are in life, a teacher influenced us. They continue to impact our lives every day, too! When we meet new employees with a wealth of skills and abilities, a teacher helped shaped them. Every new business owner, doctor, engineer, or nurse can name a teacher who inspired them. Every one of us has at least one teacher in mind who encouraged and motivated us during our education.

HOW TO OBSERVE #TeacherAppreciationDay

It is time to say “Thank You” to the exceptional teachers you know. Take a moment and reflect on the teachers in your life. Who influenced your life? Who is making an impact today? Let teachers past and present know you value them. Let them know how they helped shape your future. You can also show your gratitude for your teachers in other ways:

  • Refill their supplies. Many teachers stock their classrooms with the supplies they need to effectively teach.
  • Write a letter showing your support. Your words may encourage a teacher to continue making a difference in a child’s life.
  • Ask them what they need the most. Sometimes just being asked is the most important part.
  • Volunteer in your schools. Every day, schools rely on parent support for many programs to succeed.
  • Share this graphic:

Also, visit the National Day Classroom for more ways to #CelebrateEveryDay!

You can also download and print this postcard to mail to your teachers. It can be printed double-sided on a 5.5-inch x 4.25-inch cardstock or on one side and cut out. Tell them just how much their hard work means to you.

Use #TeacherAppreciationDay or #NationalTeachersDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

Political and educational leaders began discussions for a day to honor teachers in 1944. In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teachers’ Day. Congress declared March 7, 1980, as National Teacher Day. The National Education Association continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985 when the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May. The NEA Representative Assembly then voted to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher Day.